Independent Living News 20.12.23


The Independent Living newsletter, 20th December 2023	View in browser

Hello

Welcome to the last Independent Living newsletter of 2023!

20.12.23 Contents:

• Disabled people downgraded

• How much exercise is enough?

• Open All Hours

• New Indivo height-adjustable worktops

• What does the Treasury need to know?

• First biodegradable shampoo cap

Person shuffling cards, illustrating story about government reshuffle

1. Disabled people downgraded

The allocation of ministerial briefs is a good way to get a sense of a government's priorities. For example, immigration is a topic they are greatly exercised about, so it now has the attentions of not one but two dedicated ministers.

One of those, Tom Pursglove, used to be Minister for Disabled People. His post was left vacant in the recent reshuffle, and then following considerable public outcry, Mims Davies MP was given the downgraded job to do on top of her role as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression.

Keep reading here

Group of kids exercising - how much is enough?

2. How much exercise is enough?

I think we all know that it is important to stay physically active if we want to maintain our physical and mental well-being. But how much exercise is enough?

For children, the NHS suggests an average of 60 minutes a day. But new research indicates that, actually, they need considerably more activity, if we are to reverse the plague of childhood obesity.

More details here

Carole Lee, Gluttony in the 21st Century I, 2019 - a piece from Open All Hours exhibition

3. Open All Hours

Shape Arts' annual open exhibition is back for the 11th year, with works from 18 international artists, created in response to a disability-centred theme.

This year, they are confronting society's time pressures, as the 24/7 culture of waking, work and productivity has invaded every corner of our lives, even the bedroom, with our devices constantly linked to the world outside. Adults are now estimated to sleep 1-2 hours less per night than in the 1960s.

Find out more about the Open All Hours exhibition here

4. New Indivo height-adjustable worktops

The latest additions to Pressalit's Indivo accessible kitchen range were showcased for the first time at the recent OT Show.

Indivo height adjustable lifting units are now available in two colours (white or grey) as wall hung or free-standing units. They can be matched with any worktop and lift up to 100 or 150 kg depending on needs.

See more here

Graphic of letter with envelope illustrating story about letter sent to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury

5. What does the Treasury need to know?

It's a good question! The new Chief Secretary to the Treasury should be well aware of the harm being caused to disabled benefit claimants by DWP procedures, as she was previously an Under Secretary of State in that department.

But disability campaigner Mo Stewart has her doubts, so she has written to inform her.

You can read her letter here - and please consider forwarding it to your own MP. Many of them are still unaware of what's happening to many of their constituents.

Jess and Victor Efford of Waterless with the new Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap

6. First biodegradable shampoo cap

Waterless, a pioneer in sustainable healthcare solutions, has launched the world's first 100% biodegradable shampoo cap. This innovative product is poised to transform hygiene practices in the healthcare sector by providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional non-recyclable shampoo caps.

It is estimated that the NHS alone uses 300,000 shampoo caps a year, so adopting a biodegradable version will save a significant amount of single-use plastic waste.

Find out more about the Nilaqua shampoo wrap here

Don't forget that you can apply to join the Independent Living Facebook group, if you would like to spend more time discussing these themes with other interested people.

There are various ways you can get in touch with us: email me; visit our Facebook page and leave a message there; or if it's short and sweet, Tweet!

Previous newsletters are archived here.

If you are reading a copy that has been passed on to you by a colleague or friend, why not sign up for your own free subscription – it's quick and easy, and won't lead to your inbox being bombarded with other stuff.

That's it until next year!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading the Independent Living newsletter, and to wish you happy festive season, however you spend it.

I will be back in your inbox on 17th January.

Frances

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Independent Living

Frances Leckie

Editor

e: editor@independentliving.co.uk
t: +44 (0) 208 133 0628
Skype: francesleckie
w: www.independentliving.co.uk

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